Known as the largest international hub airport in Japan, Narita International Airport has been gaining a lot of attention not just as a place for flying in and out of Japan, but also as a tourist spot. Here is an in-depth probe into the charms of this airport where you can enjoy thrilling airport tours, shopping, dining, and art!

1. Marvel at the 4,000m Runway from the Observation Deck

The Observation Deck is a place where you can get an up-close look at aircrafts as they take off or land. When you go there, the first thing you must do is snap a souvenir photo of that spectacular, unique view. The deck may be enclosed by a barrier, but all you need to do to get a beautiful shot of the planes is to push the lens of your camera through any openings in the barrier. Even adults will surely be unable to take their eyes off the enormous aircrafts as they roar on the 4,000m-long Runway A!

2. Appreciate Art at NAA Art Gallery

The NAA Art Gallery is a well-kept secret at this airport. It primarily showcases paintings, but also displays a wide array of art pieces such as photographs, illustrations, and embroidery, making it great spot to enjoy art for free. The works being featured change periodically, so it could be fun to see what is on display when you visit! In the past, it even showcased exhibits that you can rarely see outside of Japan, including origami made from fine wire mesh.

Location: Terminal 1, Central Bldg. 5F
Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm (3:00 pm on the final day of exhibition), 365 days a year (excluding days when the artworks are taken in and out of the gallery)

3. Go Shopping at Traveler’s Factory

Traveler’s Factory is a store selling miscellaneous goods that is headquartered in Naka-meguro, Tokyo. Its bestselling item is the Traveler’s Notebook, a simple and elegant notebook that you can use for recording everything that happens on your trip. It is an exquisite product with a leather cover that fits more comfortably in your hand the more you use the notebook, and high-quality paper inside that fountain pen ink won't bleed through. If you record your trip using illustrations and photos from the place you are visiting, then you can always clearly relive the memories of that trip!
The Traveler’s Notebook AIRPORT EDITION (4,200 JPY (excl. tax)) is an item that is only available at the Narita International Airport outlet. It features Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan, on the cover. The limited-edition Package Sticker (220 JPY per piece) is another item with a cool design that is sure to make whoever receives it happy. If you love stationery, you must drop by this shop!

4. Indulge in Gourmet Food at the Food Court in Terminal 3

Terminal 3 opened specifically for low-cost carriers (LCC). At the Food Court in this terminal, there are outlets that open as early as 4:00 am and stay open until 10:30 pm.
Inside the Food Court, you will find a wide array of dishes that are unique to Japan, including sushi, okonomiyaki (savory pancake), takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and udon noodles! You can have another taste of those delicious Japanese flavors before you head home. Note that most of the stores are located in the area before the departure zone, so make sure to eat before you start with the departure procedures.

5. Rest in the North Waiting Area

If you are taking an early flight, then one place that you should definitely check out is the North Waiting Area in Terminal 3. Offering reclining couches and a tatami mat area inside a large space, this waiting area is open 24 hours a day.
The North Waiting Area is about 450m from Terminal 3, so passengers will definitely love the fact that they can spend a long time in this relatively empty area. You might want to consider eating at the Food Court first and then heading to this waiting area for a nap before getting on that early morning flight.

Narita International Airport is filled with spots where you can enjoy dining, shopping, and much more, so the wait for your flight back home will be a breeze! With this article as your guide, have a great time at the airport.

*Please note that the information in this article is from the time of writing or publication and may differ from the latest information.